However, several members of the Rotary EClub of Kuala Lumpur put their vanity aside and took the bold step to go bald last month following the launch of its “Be Bold, Go Bald” campaign on Oct 1 to raise awareness about cancer and stand in solidarity with cancer patients, their families and their caregivers.
The campaign, which runs until Nov 15, started with just two members of the club going bald. Then, two of their family members followed suit.
“We currently have a total of 12 people (comprising members and their friends) who decided to go bald in support of cancer awareness,” says Rajitha Rajalingam, president of Rotary EClub of Kuala Lumpur, who was among those who shaved their heads.
“Since October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to show our support towards the National Cancer Society of Malaysia and all those who have been affected by cancer.”
Rajitha adds that for many members, this cause is close to their hearts as they have lost family members to cancer.
The campaign has been a success as generous donors have contributed RM25,000 in total as a show of support to those who took the bold step to shave off their hair. All donations were channelled to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.
The project chairman himself, Richard Churme, lost his sister to cancer some years ago and says her death “broke my heart”. Shaving his head was his way of showing support to others who have lost loved ones to cancer.
The campaign is also dedicated to the caregivers and family members of cancer patients as well as survivors who continue to battle the disease every day.
Another club member, Catherine Ng, went bald in memory of her two sisters who lost their battle with cancer. “I stand in solidarity with those fighting against cancer,” she says.
Fellow member Mahad Ahmed, who is a corporate trainer, shaved his head in honour of his sister who succumbed to cancer five years ago. “Besides raising awareness about cancer, my decision to go bald is also to dispel the stigma that surrounds cancer patients who lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy”.
As part of the campaign, those making the pledge to go bald will create a poster featuring the slogan “i shaved BALD for CANCER” along with their photos before and after shaving their heads.
The objective is to share the poster with family and friends through WhatsApp or on their social media accounts in the hope of drumming up support for their cause.
“We have received amazing responses (to our posters) on social media from random people thanking all those who decided to go bald,” Rajitha shares, adding that many people called her personally about her bold decision.
The Rotary EClub of Kuala Lumpur is the first online Rotary Club in District 3300 with 70% of its members residing in various parts of the country. The others live overseas.
Rajitha says that since most members live outside Kuala Lumpur, they had to create unique projects that would allow them to make an impression on the community despite not being physically present.
“During the recent lockdowns in Malaysia, we organised many food aid projects to help those in need,” she says, adding that although it was challenging, the experience was rewarding.
If you wish to show your support to those affected by cancer, donate directly to Rotary Club of Central Damansara, Public Bank account number 3217487214.